TRIP GALLERY

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

1. Wonderful view of mount Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Barha Shikahar, Nilgiri, Manaslu etc. from a close by range.2. Walking through and staying in ethnic Gurung and Magar settlements. 3. Enjoying trekking in a peaceful route not clogged by other trekkers.4. Tenting and camping in the wild.5. Visit to wonderful temples, monasteries and shrines on the way.

TRIP INTRODUCTION

Much less known than the adjacent Ghorepani-Poon Hill trek but no less exciting, the Khopra Ridge Trek is one of the newly discovered trekking routes in the Annapurna region. It is a uniquely positioned route befitting both starters and seasoned trekking veterans. This trekking route is growing in popularity among trekkers.

Highlights of the Khopra Ridge trek include trekking through lush greenery of the pine, maple, rhododendron and oak forests. You will also see rare mountain wildlife on your way and pass by small villages rich in traditional Nepali culture. You will stay in houses of Gurung and Magar people who are very hospitable and follow a unique lifestyle. Monasteries, temples, shrines light up the route and provide a peaceful feeling. When you do not happen to be resting in villages overnight, which is most of the time, you will camp in the open sky in the wild. Our trained campers will help you get the perfect camping experience.

Day 11: Morning visit to Poon Hill, trek to Naya Pul and then drive to Pokhara; 6-7 hours of trek and 1 hour of drive.

Day 12: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu, 6-7 hours.

Day 13: Final departure from Kathmandu or extending your trip.

Important Notes and Safety Concerns

We prioritize your safety all the time while traveling with Ambition Himalaya Treks & Expeditions. We want our valuable guests and staffs to be safe thus we have given full authority to your tour leaders to modify, cancel or update any part of the itinerary if it is considered necessary due to safety concerns. Ambition Himalaya promises that we will do our best to stick with planned itinerary. However, natural disasters, weather disturbances, health conditions or any other mishap may force us to change the planned itinerary and we hope you understand these concerns. Our leaders will give you necessary information and discuss with you before changing the itinerary.

DETAIL ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Altitude: 1,300 m

You will land at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Our representatives will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. We will welcome you with a traditional Nepali dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant in the evening. We will enjoy musical and cultural show following our evening dinner. You will rest after spending some time with the musical and cultural artists.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley

You will shop basic supplies for the upcoming trek. Accessories are found aplenty in the nearby Thamel market. After breakfast and shopping is done, we will go sightseeing in the Kathmandu valley. Places to visit include the three Durbar squares of Kathmandu, the Nyatapola temple, Changu Narayan temple, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath stupa etc.

Day 03: Drive to Pokhara

Altitude: 820 m/ 2,690 ft

Time: 6-7 hours

We will drive to Pokhara in a tourist bus. The travel takes about 6-7 hours on average. The travel takes place through green hills and swirling rivers. You can also travel by flight or book a private car but you will have to pay extra for it. We will check into our hotels upon reaching Pokhara and freshen up. Then we will go for a short walk along the Phewa Lakeside.

Day 04: Drive to Ghandruk and trek to Tadapani

Altitude: 2,590 m/8,497 ft

Time: Drive (2-3 hours), Trek (3-4 hours)

We will drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk, from where we will start our trek to Tadapani (2,950 m). We will leave behind the terraced fields of Ghandruk on our way ahead and enter deep forest rich in unique animal and plant life. If you happen to be trekking in spring, you will see that the rhododendrons are in full bloom and the whole forest has turned red. The drive takes 3 hours and the trek takes 3-4 hours.

Day 05: Trek to Bayali Kharka

Altitude: 3,350 m/10,990 ft

Time: 5-6 hours

The ascent to Bayali Kharka (3,350 m) takes 5-6 hours. Panoramic view of the Annapurna, Barha Shikhar, Himchuli, Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri mountains from a close by range welcomes the visitors. Our road passes through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests. Kharka means grazing pasture in Nepali and Bayali Kharka was the place where villagers of Ghandruk took their cattle for grazing during summer months in the past. Few people in Ghandruk still do so. We walk the ancient cattle trail during our journey. There are a few tea houses in Bayali Kharka, where we will rest overnight.

Day 06: Trek to Upper Chistibung

Altitude: 2,975 m/3,198 ft

Time: 4-5 hours

We will wake up early, have breakfast and leave for upper Chistibung (2,975 m) today. The trek takes 5-6 hours and we cross small streams, wooden bridges and dense forests on our way to the destination; which is a small and scenic mountainous village. We will mostly walk through grassy slopes where there are huts of cattle grazers. This section of the trail presents us a wonderful opportunity to view the Impeyan Pheasant (Danfe), the national bird of Nepal. We will rest in a lodge at Upper Chistibung tonight.

Day 07: Trek to Khopra Ridge

Altitude: 3,660 m/12,007 ft

Time: 3-4 hours

We walk (3-4 hours) to our main destination - Khopra Ridge - today. We wake up early, have breakfast and start our trek to Khopra Ridge (3,660 m). We will keep an open eye for Himalayan Thar, barking deer, mountain goat, snow leopard, pheasants etc. We will enjoy the majestic view of the mountains like Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Fang. The place provides a great view of the Kaligandaki river valley beneath. We will rest at the community home stays for the night.

Day 08: Tour of Khayar Lake

Altitude: 4,500 m/14,763 ft

You have two options today. Either you can rest in Khopra Ridge or you can take the 10-11 hour walk (up-down) to Khayer Lake (4,500 m). The lake, frozen in winter, is situated in the lap of the mountains and provides a wonderful view of the Fang and the surrounding mountains. Khayar Lake is also known as Khayar Barah and is a sacred lake for the Hindus - who visit it during Janai Purnima, full moon in July-August.The reflection of the nearby mountains are wonderful from Khayar Lake.

Day 09: Trek to Swanta village

Altitude: 2,200 m/ 7,217 ft

Time: 5-6 hours

We will leave Khopra Ridge today and head for Swanta village (2,200 m). Swanta is a small village settled mostly by the Magar people. The trek to the village takes 5-6 hours and is mostly a downhill walk. We will first reach Upper Chistibung - where we stayed for the night during our way up. We will rest for a short while here and then begin our trek to Swanta. The section from Upper Chistibung to Swanta provides a wonderful view of the Dhaulagiri and the surrounding mountains. We will rest in a lodge or local homestay tonight.

Day 10: Trek to Ghorepani

Altitude: 2,853 m/9,360 ft

Time: 3-4 hours

We will wake up early, have breakfast and head for Ghorepani. The trek is only 3-4 hours long and we will walk slowly enjoying the sceneries on the road. The section between Swanta and Ghorepani is mostly Rhododendron forest. At Ghorepani (2,853 m), we will meet other trekkers from different routes in the Annapurna region. Ghorepani is famous for its sunrise and mountain view. We will enjoy the warm hospitality of the Gurung people in Ghorepani tonight.

Day 11: Poon Hill hike, Nayapul trek and drive to Pokhara

Altitude: 3,210 m/ 10,531 ft

Time: 7-8 hours

Poon Hill is a well known location for viewing sunrise and watching the mountains. We wake up early and visit Poon Hill because we would not like to miss the morning spectacle that Poon Hill is famous for. Poon Hill provides wonderful Panaromic view of the mountains in the Annapurna region. We will return back to our hotel after spending some quality time in Poon Hill. We will have breakfast at return and then head to Nayapul, where we will meet motorable road. The total walk for the day is about 5-6 hours. We will drive for Pokhara (One hour) from here.

Day 12: Drive to Kathmandu

We will drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu in a tourist bus. The drive takes about seven hours and you will spend those seven hours watching the beautiful rivers, along whose bank the highway passes, and green hills. You again have the option to take the aerial route or hire a private car but you will have to pay extra for it. If you travel by air then you will have enough time to visit the areas surrounding Thamel in the evening.

Day 13: Departure

We will organize a small traditional ceremony to mark your departure. Our representatives will drop you to the airport following the farewell ceremony. You will head back to your destination from the airport. You also have the option to extend your trip.

US$ 849/ per person (price valid for minimum 2 person)

Cost Includes

Airport pickup and drop services by private vehicle

Kathmandu City tour 1 day with Guide and car and driver

Standard accommodation in Kathmandu as per the itinerary / with breakfast

Guarantee of Price:

Once we confirm your booking with us, we guarantee that your prices won’t get changed. By choosing to travel with Ambition Himalaya you are choosing to travel with confidence. Either you book a month advance or a year advance we won't change the prices once you confirm the trip.

Acclimatization and High Altitude Sickness:

Altitude is defined on the following scale High (8,000 - 12,000 feet [2,438 - 3,658 meters]), Very High (12,000 - 18,000 feet [3,658 - 5,487 meters]), and Extremely High (18,000+ feet [5,500+ meters]). Since few people have been to such altitudes, it is hard to know who may be affected.

Guide, Porters and Staffs Arrangement:

Ambition Himalaya Treks and Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. has permanent trekking crews who are already trained and licensed from the government of Nepal. We always provide you permanent and experienced crews for your any trip in Nepal. Our staffs are licensed from the government of Nepal, qualified, experienced and eco trained so that they are perfect for your adventure trips in Nepal. We have permanent local staffs working with us who are the backbone of their particular society. Our guides / leaders have good capacity to speak English language. They will give you chances to practice some of our local greeting which can add your more pleasure on your adventure travel with us.

Pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu:

We will have a short meeting with you before starting your trip. Normally, we held this meeting before starting your trip with us or most of the time we start this trek on the first evening of your arrival. You will be introduced your trek guide and you can talk with him about your adventure trek, any questions regarding the trip, about his experiences, qualifications or any other things. That means you will have opportunity to talk face to face regarding your trip. He may give you short briefing about your trips.

Meals in Kathmandu and on the Trek:

In Kathmandu your breakfast is included in the program cost. Lunch and dinners or any other meals are not included. We will provide meals on full board [Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner] during the trek. You will be given a simple menu to choose your foods. The menu is offered by the hotels or lodges. You will have options to choose Nepalese, Chinese, Italian or continental foods from the menu. Each day, you will have dinner and breakfast in the same tea house / lodge the lunch can be in different lodges. Regarding the welcome and farewell dinner, we will provide your typical Nepalese restaurant either in Kathmandu or in Pokhara.

Accommodation Facilities:

We always want our clients to have best experiences in Nepal. We will accommodate you in 3 or 4 star hotels in Kathmandu most of the time. However depending on your interest and payment we can accommodation you in non-star hotels too. Please read the pricing on the email that we will send you after your inquiry. Regarding the accommodation on the treks, you will get accommodation in cozy tea houses / lodges. We give priority for hygiene, standards of the services, location etc. During the trek, your guide will take you in nice lodges where you might have chances to experience typical Nepalese style and you will be offered hygienic foods. Our accommodations are based in twin sharing facility and if there are difficulties in twin sharing we will provide you extra room without any supplementary charges. But we recommend you to tell us if you have any accommodation preferences before booking the trip. Trekking is done generally in the remote parts of Nepal with very basic facilities. Sometimes, due to large volumes of people in a particular place and the lack of lodges / rooms you might need to share with other people too. Sharing rooms with other people do not happen all the time, but it should be understood before departing for the treks.

Toilet and Bathroom Facilities:

In Kathmandu you will have private toilets and bathrooms but regarding the trek in the remote area, you will have common toilets. If there is availability of private toilets, then your guide will give your rooms with private toilets and bathrooms.

Experience and Fitness for the Trek:

Generally, a healthy person who has strong desire of adventure can do adventure travel with us. We suggest you to be well prepared physically and mentally to cooperate with us. We recommend you to say us any kind of previous and current health problems that you have faced or facing on the time of booking your trip with us. That will make us to take decision on your adventure that you are fit enough to experience adventure or not. On something wrong, and if you need medical treatment and rescue then it’s your responsibility to pay the expenses and Ambition Himalaya Treks and Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. or any staffs of our company will not be responsible for that. We also recommend you to consult with your doctor before starting your travel. We reserve the rights to check your medical checkup certificates if required. Trekking is done on high altitude area. Because of that we suggest you to talk with your guide for any kind of new difficulties or health problem you face. Your guide is trained so he might give your required suggestions or medicines for the betterment of your health.

Our leaders, guides, Sherpa and helpers: We work with permanent trekking crews. Our leaders and guides are compulsorily trained and licensed from the government of Nepal. We always provide you permanent and experienced crews for your any trip in Nepal. We promise that we will always send perfect staffs for your adventure trips in Nepal. We have permanent local staffs working with us who are the backbone of their particular society. Our guides / leaders have good capacity to speak English language. They will give you chances to practice some of our local greeting which can add your more pleasure on your adventure travel with us. Our guides and porters are experienced in the routes, practices local cultures and have great respect of local community. We would also like to tell you that as our guides and helpers will provide you high respect as if you also reply them the same kind of respect it would be great on your trip.

Rescue and Medical Insurances:

It’s very common to travel with travel insurance now days. However, we recommend all out guests to have a good travel insurance policy with air rescue and treatment coverage. It’s not required but it is highly recommended for your safely and security. We suggest you to take care of your insurance policy that it fully covers the above mentioned parts or not even there might be some exceptions for adventure travelers. When you travel with Ambition Himalaya Treks and Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. you need to show proof of your insurance policy on request by Ambition Himalaya Treks and Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. If you do not have any insurance policy then you can buy one online after you come to Nepal too. You can view some good insurance companies in our rescue and insurance page.

Accommodation:

We will accommodate you at Tourist standard category hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara. These rooms will be clean with private bathroom inside. Kathmandu and Pokhara has western standard lodges / hotels available for accommodation. These rooms will be air conditioned. There will be twin / double room shared among two customers (Unless you are single). Sometimes we may accommodate you in triple rooms based on number of customers. If you have any special preferences regarding the bed selection then please let us know.Ambition Himalaya treks is also glad to provide higher standard or budget hotels based on your interests. We understand that not all customers need similar standard accommodation. If you have any lodge name planned for your trip then you can tell us, we will try to accommodate you at your preferred place.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is an advanced and well developed trekking route and lodges are available for meals and accommodation in every places. Almost every lodges have twin rooms for trekkers. Double beds are hardly available in every places. Even though most of the places have enough lodges sometimes it can be problamatic to find accommodation in Annapurna Base Camp due to limit number of lodges and limited number of rooms. We would look for your cooperation in case accommodation problem is occurred. Nothing luxurious is available in Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Lodges are in same standard and provide similar standards. Rooms are prepared only to spend a night. The rooms are comparatively small and there won't be bathroom available inside the room. You need to use common bathroom used by all other trekkers. We will accommodate two trekkers inside a room unless you are single trekker. If you are a single trekker then sometimes you may need to share your room with someone else in rare, let's say very rare cases ( same sex or very rare cases with opposite sex). Even if you are traveling in a group and prefer single room then upon paying single supplement charges we will try our best to provide you single rooms. If we are unable to provide single rooms then we will refund your single supplement charges.

List of recommended gears for trekking in Nepal. These gear list can be different depending on route, season etc. Some items are only recommended for high altitude treks.